PRAYER

A new commandment, You gave at the table,

to love one another as You made us able.

When we love one another, all will know it is true that we and our friends, indeed, follow You.

So let us remember the commandment to love

so the world becomes more like heaven above.

Amen.

*​From Common Prayer for Children and Families, Jenifer Gamber & Timothy J.S. Seamans

READING

John 13:1-17, 31-35 (MSG)

^1-2 Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come to leave this world to go to the Father. Having loved his dear companions, he continued to love them right to the end. It was suppertime. The Devil by now had Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, firmly in his grip, all set for the betrayal.

^3-6 Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, “Master, you wash my feet?”

⁷ Jesus answered, “You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.”

⁸ Peter persisted, “You’re not going to wash my feet—ever!”

Jesus said, “If I don’t wash you, you can’t be part of what I’m doing.”

⁹ “Master!” said Peter. “Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!”

^10-12 Jesus said, “If you’ve had a bath in the morning, you only need your feet washed now and you’re clean from head to toe. My concern, you understand, is holiness, not hygiene. So now you’re clean. But not every one of you.” (He knew who was betraying him. That’s why he said, “Not every one of you.”) After he had finished washing their feet, he took his robe, put it back on, and went back to his place at the table.

^12-17 Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.

When he had left, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is seen for who he is, and God seen for who he is in him. The moment God is seen in him, God’s glory will be on display. In glorifying him, he himself is glorified—glory all around!

³³ “Children, I am with you for only a short time longer. You are going to look high and low for me. But just as I told the Jews, I’m telling you: ‘Where I go, you are not able to come.’

^34-35 “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”

REFLECTION

The very first time I participated in a foot washing ceremony I gained insight into the Gospel passage we read today. Washing someone's feet wasn't as humbling as having someone wash my feet. For years I thought the idea was to be a servant and in this service you found humility, but for me (and maybe for you), I found the act of receiving foot washing much more humbling. This is why I love the artwork at the top of this page. I resonate with Peter's expression. He's so unhappy! How dare Jesus wash his feet!

There have been times in my life where I have reached out to help people in need, whether that be by making them meals, driving them where they need to go, looking after pets or shoveling their driveway in Winter. I feel good about myself for helping others. The most difficult thing for me is being on the receiving end. When I recently went through a challenging time, women in my bible study group sent me cards (actual mail!), flowers and made me meals. I was touched by their generosity, care and compassion but, to be honest, I also felt like Peter a little bit. Who am I to receive this service? I should be the one serving. Pride can stop us from receiving God's love through the kindness of others. As we near the end of Holy Week, may we understand that all have fallen short and are in need of a Saviour. Jesus took the cross for us because we are sinners. Let us carry out the new command to love one another, and more importantly, receive this love in return.

LENT CHECK IN

Stripping of the altar (removing all ornaments, linens, candles, plants, flowers, etc.) is an ancient custom of the Church. Congregations mark the way Christ’s life was stripped from him by stripping the altar of all signs of life and beauty during a special service. This almost-bare worship space reminds us of the bareness of life without the hope of Christ that we have through His resurrection. This beautiful and powerful ritual can also be practiced in the home, as our homes are also places of worship. As a family consider:

• reading Psalm 22 together (or just the first two verses, if attention spans are short).

• gathering all icons and religious symbols from your home.

• draping large items that cannot be packed with a dark cloth

• removing all items from your dining or kitchen table and washing the table thoroughly.

• leaving the table completely bare (except for during meals) until Easter morning.

After all the icons have been packed away or covered, and the table has been washed, take a moment to notice how your home looks and feels. Think about the connection between a home without these beautiful and meaningful items and a life without Christ.